My Year at HSE University-St Petersburg
HSE University-St Petersburg has been not just a school to many international students, but also a home. It is a place where they gain new knowledge and skills, as well as new friends and experiences. While life at HSE University is different for everyone, it is always exciting and fulfilling. As 2023 comes to an end, we decided to ask some international students what this year at HSE University-St Petersburg was like for them.
Timothy Lokotar, Belgium
Second-year student of the Bachelor’s programme ‘Political Science and World Politics’
There are quite a few things I could consider an achievement after spending a year in Russia and at HSE University-St Petersburg in particular. These include having an A2 level in the Russian language, which makes it easier to blend in with Russians, especially my Russian friends. I have developed some skills in programming with Python and have been able to conduct academic research. I have learnt to be flexible in terms of organisation, as our study schedule changes frequently. Last but not least, I have found out a lot about other cultures. Overall, my stay in this country and studies at HSE University have been great and lovely.
Rakhmetulla Ongarbaev, Uzbekistan
First-year student of the Master's programme ‘Civil and Commercial Law’
The major takeaway for me as a student of HSE University is persistence. Completing my bachelor's degree in Law at HSE University-St Petersburg and enrolling in the master's programme in which I am currently studying was a no-brainer. In an environment where students face various challenges and obstacles, persistence is essential. HSE University provides its students with various opportunities, which is remarkable indeed and makes our student life colourful, diverse, and beautiful.
Massimiliano Avesani Brunton, Italy
Second-year student of the Bachelor’s programme ‘Political Science and World Politics’
When you are away from home in a new country, it can be really challenging. Responsibility is the biggest skill I have gained so far. Although there are many more, I believe this is measurable and transferable. I have also learned the Russian language—I can speak and write in it fluently now. In general, I would say that my studies so far have been very good. I have learned many new things, grown as a person, and met lots of new people.
Yekaterina Saranskaya, Kazakhstan
Third-year student of the Bachelor’s programme ‘Law’, Head of the Association of International Students
When you are at HSE University-St Petersburg, you hone different skills. A willingness to help, a desire to learn something new, and not being afraid are my best skills. As a tutor of the Association of International Students last year, I participated in organising the Cultures Day. This year, I went to Kazakhstan and talked with high school students about life and studies at HSE University-St Petersburg. At the beginning of this academic year, the Association of International Students, which I head, took part in three events. For two years now, I have also been representing the interests of international students in the Student Council.
I have some ideas of what I would like to add to the university: for instance, opening a legal department for international students who want to understand how to obtain citizenship and other documents. However, I understand that this initiative is expensive and has some pitfalls. Finally, I would like international students to become more active and open since the Association of International Students, like many other student organisations, is waiting for you!
Akabueze Daniel Onyekachukwu, Nigeria
Second-year student of the Bachelor’s programme ‘Political Science and World Politics’, Tutor at the Association of International Students
Most of the time, I consider myself to be over dramatic. Almost everything teaches me something. I have learned responsibility from HSE University, since it takes a lot of time management skills to navigate successfully here. I have met some friends who are quite meaningful to me. I love the dormitory, since it is modern with the necessary facilities. Concerning the skills I have gained here, I would highlight critical thinking, public speaking, and academic research as my best ones. The last one is valuable to me, as I started mastering research in my first year of studies, which is unusual at many other universities. Having been an active writer for the university's magazine for some time now, and I have managed to hone my creative writing skills as well.
Text by Akabueze Daniel Onyekachukwu